After recent “Best Wine Themed Event” accolades at the Wine Communicators of Australia Awards 2024, The Winemakers of Rutherglen invite you to experience Rutherglen by night, for the 2nd annual Dark Side of Wine.

The Winemakers of Rutherglen invite you to step into the shadows and uncover the mystery, magic, and mastery behind one of Australia’s most storied wine regions, as Dark Side of Wine returns from August 8 to 17, 2025.

Over ten immersive days and nights, Rutherglen’s vignerons and winemakers open their cellars, stories, and secrets for an unforgettable celebration of wine, history, and sensory exploration. Beneath starlit skies and beside glowing fires, discover a new generation of winemakers breathing fresh life into 160 years of fortified and full-bodied tradition.

Whether you’re unravelling the Lost Wineries Trail, cracking clues in a Muscat Murder Mystery, dancing beneath the stained glass of historic Rutherglen buildings coming alive with performers, or uncovering ancient barrels in candlelit cask rooms, each experience invites you deeper into the lore of this legendary region. Taste house-style Muscats straight from the source, blend your own bold red, and share in family tales passed down through generations.

This year’s program expands the boundaries of storytelling—from secret cinemas and LED-light workshops to brunches, progressive dinners, trivia nights, and a brand-new Rutherglen Fortified Passport. Every glass tells a story. Every bottle holds a secret. And every moment at Dark Side of Wine 2025 promises revelation.

Join us. Raise a glass. And discover the depth, character, and charm of Rutherglen like never before